In a lecture titled “A Brave New World,” Fireman outlined the challenges that will be introduced by the marine industry’s transformation to autonomous vessels, explaining how data, systems and software will evolve to self-sufficiency on the vessel as navigational control and operational decision-making become more centralized. Recent changes already have affected the way industry looks at safety, he said, expanding the definition to include cyber security and software assurance.

Fireman identified some emerging technologies – advanced sensors robotics and artificial intelligence – that he says are establishing a “new normal” in industry and pointed out the changes these technologies might introduce. “I can envision a future scenario where a command center evaluates and issues drones for repair of an unmanned vessel – with no human intervention on board,” he said.

Autonomy introduces a new set of functional requirements, which introduces design and engineering principles that are more risk-based, Fireman explained. “Technical review for safety and regulatory compliance will be critical to verify automated systems meet expected standards,” he said. “This is where classification organizations play a vital role by establishing and maintaining independent rules.”

The department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (NAME) at the University of Michigan was started in 1879 with an act of Congress authorizing a Navy officer to teach “steam engineering and iron shipbuilding.” Since this modest beginning, NAME has grown into a worldwide leader in education and research, developing engineers and technology to advance the state of the art for systems operating in the marine environment.

Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification organization devoted to promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets.